Post Update, Father’s Day, June 21, 2015:
Remembering my Dad, and all the inspiring men who are fathers, striving to be good examples, good men, in times of struggle as well as joy. My father died two months after I wrote this post but I carry the many fine memories I have of him with me every day. On Father’s day I also like to revisit these songs of Fathers and Sons, Harry Chapin’s “Cats in the Cradle” and Cat Stevens “Father and Son”.

My wife and I just had an interesting discussion about these two songs and the meaning of their lyrics. She correctly pointed out that they are sad songs, and that they are about fathers who had little time for their kids. And it’s true, I had a much richer life experience with my dad, who did spend time with me when he could. But he also dealt with the inherent struggles of life, having to be gone a lot to keep groceries on the table and missing out on a lot of poignant moments with his kids. I am grateful I had him for my dad. These songs are not about him or what my specific childhood was like, but they are songs that resonated with me as a young man, and I think they hold up to the test of time as examples of great storytelling and songwriting.

For My Dad: Songs of Fathers and Sons by Trace ~ October 30, 2010
My life has always been full of soundtracks, songs that resonate in any given situation. As I was thinking of my dad and all the twists and turns this world has brought to our lives, two songs began to seep into my consciousness from my past. Both were favorites of mine as a young man feeling my way out of the nest my parents so carefully laid for me. Now they come back to speak to me again. I hope you will enjoy these musical tales of fathers and sons as much as I do.

Great live performance of Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, with a quick insight to family life at the beginning:

Cat Stevens – Father and Son (Live):

My dad, John Ready and mom, June Ready in 2005

I am thinking a lot about my dad today, John F. Ready. Big John, Big J, we’ve called him lots of names, most of them nice. My dad is a great man, who always tried to do the right thing. Now he’s in poor health and at 82 is facing the end of his years with us. I cry and laugh as I think of the times I have had with my dad. He’s a man of integrity, honest to the core. His sense of humor and bright outlook have carried him and our whole family through many ups and downs, and he remains today jolly, with a twinkle in his eye. He’s also a man of great spiritual depth and wisdom. I know that he is at peace with himself and with God, and that brings me great comfort. While none of our lives are perfect and we might regret some of our words or actions, I know my dad loves me and I love him. I am proud to be his son.

Trace Ready “The Social Freelancer”

Trace Ready is a Director of Photography, Writer, Producer and Vocalist based in Dallas, Texas. His band Trace Relations has released their debut studio CD “Prosperity Street”Connect with Trace: TraceProductions.com

Like this? Help Trace keep his wheels on the road for the photo series “Vanishing Texas” and continue posting to this blog while juggling in “the freelance life.” – HERE:

Networking and keeping in touch with other directors of photography, photographers, writers, producers and related freelancers has been key to the longevity of my business. Some of them are my direct competitors, but I consider them allies.

Often a job will come up that I am too busy to do so I will refer the client to someone else, who I trust and is equally qualified (and who will not try to steal my client). This works both ways: I have gotten many shoots and writing jobs through this network of freelancers.

Additionally, people that I meet who work in related positions, like sound mixers, make up artists, gaffers and grips are valuable resources. Clients will sometimes ask these people if they know a director of photography or writer-producer who would be a “good fit” for their project.

Another spot where this helps is in gear acquisition: We are often asked to provide cameras or related equipment on a job that I don’t personally own. Usually I know another freelancer who has the piece of gear and will gladly rent it to me for a discounted rate if they are not using it on the shoot day. This is cheaper than getting the gear from a rental house and builds a good rapport with the other freelancer who will then, in turn, be more likely to refer me on a project that they can’t handle.READ ON – More Tips-> Read more…

“In taking stock of ourselves, we should not forget that fear plays a large part in the drama of failure. That is the first thing to be dropped. Fear is a mental deficiency susceptible of correction, if taken in hand before it gains an ascendency over us. Fear comes with the thought of failure.” – Douglas Fairbanks

I am taking stock of myself this morning. This quote from Douglas Fairbanks reminded me of the mentally crippling nature of fear. It is the root of all inactivity, a sign of regression instead of progression.

It is important for me to take a step back, take stock of all I am doing, examining what’s working for me and what’s not.

Merging “work” with creative

I reached a point of overload at the end of 2014. Multiple projects have been started, some pieces complete, others needing more time and work. This blog, while rewarding to me on a psychological level, is only moderately successful in reaching larger audiences.

I struggle with the ups and downs of my production business TraceProductions.com as I have for 20 years now. The video and television production business has been rewarding. My career has taken me all over the world and given me a (mostly) steady income and incredible experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything. But it is a changed business. For too many reasons to go into here, there is nothing but downward pressure on pricing for many of the services I have traditionally provided for my clients. I stay busy and am grateful for the work I have but it is less profitable than ever before. I have grown and moved on, learning and developing new skills that continue to enrich my life’s experience. Read more…

“This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.”
– Will Rogers

2.) “I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”
– Will Rogers

It is fascinating to me how Rogers’ quips, written in the early 1900’s, resonate so soundly today. His biting wisdom and humor held both Republican and Democrat feet to his sarcastic fire when he felt they deserved it, which was often.

3.) “Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.”
– Will Rogers

How appropriate for today! Think of the influence that John Stewart and Bill Maher (comedians) have on the voting public.

“William Penn Adair “Will” Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) was an American cowboy, vaudeville performer, humorist, social commentator and motion picture actor. He was one of the world’s best-known celebrities in the 1920s and 1930s.” via Wikipedia

“Have fun while you can ’cause fate’s an awful thing. You can never tell what might happen and that’s why I love to sing.” – T-Bone Walker

This quote from T-Bone Walker, one of my heros of the blues, sums up life for me. I enjoy my life and career in television, video production and photography, but before all that I was, and continue to be, a singer and lyricist. It’s an integral part of who I am. I don’t make a living at it, but I will continue doing it as long as I am alive.

When I am singing I can suspend everything else in my mind, all the ups and downs and rocks in the road of life, and just be “in the moment” with the song.

It calms me and makes me happy to be alive at the same time …and that’s why I love to sing. – Trace

What about you?

Trace. Photo by: Rick Moore

What takes you to a place where you can feel alive and “in the moment?”
I would love to hear about it, please comment below. Thanks.Read more…